I have never thought there was a need for me to have quikclot or similar agents, in large part because of some of the downsides. I had also read a couple places where a number of EMS units had purchased these items and ended up never using them so decided to stop carrying them when they expired. I gather the proper application for them is very, very limited. There is also the issue that my opinion of an appropriate sized FAK is something that will fit in a sandwich sized zip lock bag. Quikclot will fit in such a bag, but not much else will, and I think there are more important things to have in a FAK.

For extremity bleeding issues, I have always felt if direct pressure did not work it is best to transition to the big T. I would give a major spurter about 20 seconds of direct pressure and if I could not stop it that way, it is on to something effective. The important thing IMO is that the guy does not bleed out before someone more competent gets there, or alternately you get the injured party to someone more competent.

I have never felt that I needed a fancy tourniquet either. The chance of me needing one is so low that I am willing to go with a piece of paracord and a pen. I can tie the ends of the paracord together in about five seconds and use a pen or something similar as a windlass to tighten it up. I know it is not ideal but it is better than letting someone, especially me, bleed to death before someone more competent and presumably better equipped is able to help.

I am intrigued somewhat by combat gauze. It appears to be something useful for deep penetrating wounds to the abdomen that you can't put a tourniquet on and direct pressure is pretty tough to apply. But these kind of injuries are very rare so I think I will pass on it for now, although I suppose I could be convinced.

I am not much of a FAK guy. My idea of a FAK starts with a couple of clean hankies (I am only sort of kidding about this). I rarely cover minor wounds with a bandage. They seem to heal faster if left open. I will use a bandage to protect a wound that might otherwise get further damage, or to keep it clean or dry.